complete verse (Leviticus 19:11)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Leviticus 19:11:

  • Kupsabiny: “Do (sing.) not steal, do not lie and do not cheat another person.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “’you do not steal.
    ‘you do not deceive people.
    "’you do not say false things to any Israelite.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “[You (plur.)] do- not -steal, or lie, or cheat your (plur.) fellowmen.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “‘Do not steal anything.
    ‘Do not tell lies.
    ‘Do not deceive each other.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Leviticus 19:11

Steal: some commentators see this as having a more restricted meaning, having to do with the seizing of a person to make him a slave. But almost all versions take it as having a more general meaning. It is the same word as used in Exodus 20.15. The alternative may be dealt with in a footnote if necessary, stating that the word translated “steal” may mean “abduct,” “kidnap,” or “enslave.”

Nor deal falsely, nor lie: the two Hebrew verbs here are very similar in meaning. They serve to reinforce each other rather than to explain basic differences in meaning. So it is probably not a good idea to set them off as two separate and distinct laws, as is done in New International Version.

To one another: literally “a man to (or, against) his fellow.” Compare 6.3, where the same word is translated “neighbor.” Good News Translation leaves the object implicit, but this may not be possible or desirable in many other languages. In some languages one may wish to say “compatriot” or “fellow citizen.”

Quoted with permission from Péter-Contesse, René and Ellington, John. A Handbook on Leviticus. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1990. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .